Tree

By Rose Bence

I watch my skin crack and split
As flames seep up from within
My skin blackens
As gentle flames kiss and lick

No screams, no tears
Just the cracking and popping
Of skin and bone
As ashes I was and ashes I return

I watch my brothers and sisters burn
Deathly quiet
As we crumble, ash and burnt carcasses
Silent to the end

But I will live again
We will live again
As rain washes over us
And the sun shines upon us

As green hair sprouts from twisted black figures
And life is born anew
From the ashes and death
Does arise new life